How to curve text in Illustrator
The fastest way is Effect › Warp › Arc: select the text, choose Arc and drag Bend. Use Type on a Path when the text should follow a circle or a custom line, and Envelope Distort to reshape freely. All three keep the text editable, and JuicyType effects apply on top of any of them.
The manual way, in Illustrator
- Select the text with the Selection tool (V). Do not outline it.
- Go to Effect › Warp › Arc…, tick Preview and drag Bend. Positive bends up, negative bends down.
- For a circle or badge, draw the path, pick the Type on a Path tool and click the path, then type. Drag the centre bracket across the path to flip the text inside.
- For free reshaping, use Object › Envelope Distort › Make with Warp and pull the mesh points with the Direct Selection tool.
Bend above about 60% squashes the inner edge of the letters. Lower it, or move to Type on a Path on a larger circle.
Steps drafted from Illustrator's documentation; to be checked in Illustrator 2025–2026 before launch.
3 effects in JuicyType
JuicyType does not curve text itself. Curve it with any method above, then apply effects; they follow the curve and stay live when you change the bend.
Common questions
Can I curve text without outlining it?
Yes. All three methods keep the text live. Only Object › Expand Appearance converts it to shapes.
How do I flip text on a path so it is not upside down?
Drag the centre bracket across the path, or open Type on a Path Options and tick Flip.